Hike of the week: Las Gallinas ponds can be a great place to view birds

ON MY RECENT visit to the wildlife ponds next to the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District's facilities, I spoke with a man who was leaving just as I arrived. He had binoculars around his neck as many people do who visit this popular birding spot. I asked if he'd spotted any special birds and he replied, "Just the usual suspects and lots of baby ducks."

His comment pleased me. I like seeing common animals and who doesn't enjoy watching the antics of fuzzy ducklings?

The path atop the levee winds and loops around three ponds with mileage equaling two to three miles depending on how far you want to go.

There are picnic tables and a restroom located near the parking area. Benches have been placed at various viewing spots beside the ponds. Bring binoculars, a spotting scope and a bird identification book if you're serious about learning the names of the birds and ducks.

The islands in the first pond serve as a nursery for nesting waterfowl. Throughout spring and early summer, fuzzy youngsters can be seen following their parents. Canada geese seem to be strict with their goslings as they are often seen swimming in formation with one parent in front and one at the rear of the procession. Mallard hatchlings were so numerous during my visit, I couldn't tell which ducklings belonged to which parents. Mallard clutches are often large and it's not uncommon to see a mother mallard with seven to 10 babies.

Swallows are busy tending their mud nests under the entrance bridge. You can see the nests if you stand near the picnic tables. The large numbers of swallows darting about are gobbling mosquitoes as they fly.

Brewers and red-winged blackbirds like the cattails and there's always an assortment of sparrows, finches and hawks in the bushes and overhead.

Don't forget to scan the surrounding fields for deer and jackrabbits. Deer are a common sight as they graze in the deep grass unconcerned by the many visitors who focus on the ponds.

To reach the Las Gallinas Sanitary District ponds, follow Smith Ranch Road to the entrance of McInnis Park. Turn left just before the park entrance and drive to the end of the street. A small parking area is on the left.